If you're thinking about getting a nose job, it's totally normal to wonder: Will I have pain after rhinoplasty? A lot of people worry about pain, and that concern often holds them back from booking the surgery. The good news? It’s usually not as bad as you might think. In this blog, we’ll explain what the post-nose job pain is really like, how it's managed, and what you can do to feel more comfortable. So, Will It Hurt? Yes, but not much. According to Dr. Julian De Silva, most patients experience mild pain after rhinoplasty, which is usually short-lived. The discomfort typically shows up within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. And here’s the surprise: The pain can be controlled by analgesia or pain relief medication that’s commonly used once or twice during those first two days. Patients often say they’re shocked by how little it hurts. It’s actually more of a discomfort than actual pain. Think of it like a pressure or dull ache rather than anything sharp or unbearable. What Kind of Discomfort Should I Expect? Most of the post-rhinoplasty pain is linked to swelling and mild bruising. Some people feel it more along the bridge of the nose. That’s usually related to the healing of the nasal bones and only happens in a small number of cases—about 5% of patients. Even then, it's not serious pain. It’s more of a dull, lingering sensation. A couple of painkillers now and then are often enough to sort it out. Another thing to keep in mind: Nasal congestion can feel annoying. After a rhinoplasty, it’s common to feel stuffy because of swelling inside the nose. It might feel like a bad cold or blocked sinuses, but this usually improves with a saline nasal spray. How Is Pain Managed After Surgery? Post-nose job pain is managed in a few different ways. First, every patient gets a prescription for pain relief. Even though many don’t need to use it much, it’s there just in case. Dr. Julian De Silva also recommends simple things like: Cold compresses: Applying ice to the nose helps reduce swelling and gives relief. Saline spray: Keeps the inside of your nose moist and helps ease congestion. Taking meds early: If you do feel discomfort, taking your pain relief on time really helps prevent it from building up. The goal is to stay ahead of the discomfort, even if it's mild. Being proactive makes a big difference. Can You Prevent Pain After Rhinoplasty? You can’t remove every bit of discomfort, but there are ways to make your recovery easier and smoother. Here’s what helps: Surgical technique matters: Dr. De Silva uses advanced techniques to minimise trauma during surgery. That means less swelling and less pain. No nasal packing: Some surgeons pack the nose after surgery, which can be uncomfortable. Dr. De Silva avoids this whenever possible. Dissolvable stitches: These don’t need to be removed, which avoids more poking and prodding during healing. Long-lasting anaesthetic: Dr. De Silva uses a local anaesthetic that lasts several hours after surgery. This means the nose stays numb for most of the day, which reduces early discomfort. Sedation instead of general anaesthesia: Sedation offers a gentler recovery and avoids the groggy, nauseous feeling that some people get with general anaesthesia. All of these things add up to a much more comfortable experience overall. You can also check our guide on how long a nose job takes to heal to know what to expect. Is Pain Different for Every Patient? Yes, everyone’s experience is a bit different. Some people bounce back quickly and feel no discomfort at all. Others might have a few days of mild irritation or nasal congestion. The good thing is, severe pain after rhinoplasty is extremely rare. If you’ve ever had a sinus infection or a blocked nose from a cold, that’s the kind of sensation some people describe after surgery—not sharp pain, just a stuffed-up feeling that gets better day by day. Most of the recovery is more about taking it easy and being patient while your nose heals, not about dealing with pain. What If You’re Still Nervous About Pain? It’s completely okay to be nervous. Surgery is a big step. If you’re worried about post-rhinoplasty pain, one great option is to talk to someone who’s had the procedure. Dr. Julian De Silva recommends chatting with past patients. Hearing from real people can help you get a clearer idea of what recovery is like. Most will tell you the same thing—it wasn’t as bad as they thought. Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety, and feeling calm going into surgery makes your recovery even smoother. Quick Tips to Stay Comfortable After Your Nose Job Here’s a simple list to help you manage post-rhinoplasty pain and recover well: Use painkillers if needed, especially in the first two days. Apply cold compresses gently to reduce swelling. Use a saline nasal spray to ease congestion. Keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping. Avoid heavy lifting or bending for at least a couple of weeks. Stick to soft foods for the first few days if chewing feels odd. Don’t smoke because it slows healing. Follow all your surgeon’s instructions closely. Conclusion So, will you have pain after rhinoplasty? Probably not much. Some discomfort is normal, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours. But it’s manageable, short-lived, and rarely serious. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how mild the recovery is. With expert surgical technique, proactive care, and a little patience, your healing journey should be smooth and comfortable. Still unsure? Let’s talk it through. Book a rhinoplasty consultation here and get answers tailored to you.

Thinking about reshaping your nose? Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or to fix breathing issues, it’s completely normal to wonder about the best route to take. One of the most common questions Dr. Julian De Silva gets asked this question, “Surgical vs. non-surgical rhinoplasty: which is better?” Both options can improve the look of your nose, but they work very differently and offer different kinds of results. Let’s break it down so you can make a confident, well-informed decision. What Is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty? Also known as a liquid nose job, non-surgical rhinoplasty involves using dermal fillers (usually made of hyaluronic acid) to change the shape of your nose. There’s no cutting, no general anaesthetic, and you can be in and out of the clinic in under 30 minutes. This treatment is ideal for people who want to: Smooth out small bumps on the bridge of their nose Lift a droopy tip slightly create more balance or symmetry from a side profile However, it’s important to understand that non-surgical rhinoplasty works by adding volume. So, it can only enhance certain features—it can't make your nose smaller or remove tissue. If your nose already feels too large, adding filler may actually make it look even bigger. What Is Surgical Rhinoplasty? Surgical rhinoplasty, on the other hand, involves reshaping the bone and cartilage of the nose under general anaesthesia. This can include removing bumps, refining the tip, straightening the bridge, and reducing overall size. It also allows for internal corrections to improve breathing, such as fixing a deviated septum. This option is better suited for people who: Want permanent results Need structural changes or reduction Struggle with breathing due to nasal obstruction Have thick skin, asymmetry, or previous injuries Unlike fillers, surgery can subtract tissue, which means it offers far more flexibility in terms of reshaping and reducing the nose. Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Nose Jobs: Key Differences If you’re trying to decide between rhinoplasty vs. non-surgical rhinoplasty, the main difference comes down to what each method can actually achieve. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is great for subtle surface changes. It’s less invasive, requires no recovery time, and results are visible immediately. However, these results are temporary and need to be repeated every six to 12 months. Surgical rhinoplasty offers long-term results and can dramatically change the structure of your nose. But it comes with a longer recovery period, typically one to two weeks of downtime and several months for full healing. So, if you’re hoping to slim your nose, fix a crooked bridge, or breathe better, surgery is usually the only option that can deliver those results. Who’s a Good Candidate for Each? Dr. De Silva suggests that non-surgical rhinoplasty works best for people who already have a reasonably shaped nose and want a small touch-up, like smoothing a minor bump or slightly lifting the nasal tip. It’s also a good way to “trial” how your nose might look after surgical rhinoplasty, without committing to surgery straight away. Surgical rhinoplasty is better for people looking for long-term or functional results. It’s the best choice if you want to make your nose smaller, narrow the nostrils, or correct deformities caused by injury or genetics. Also, if you have thick skin or certain ethnic nose shapes, surgical ethnic rhinoplasty gives more control and precision than fillers can offer. Dr. De Silva is careful to preserve each patient’s ethnic features while enhancing their natural beauty, so the outcome still feels like you. Risks and Safety Considerations As with any procedure, both types of rhinoplasty come with risks. With non-surgical rhinoplasty, the main risk is accidentally injecting filler into a blood vessel. This can reduce blood flow and, in rare cases, lead to skin damage or even blindness. While the chance of this happening is less than 1%, it’s serious, which is why it’s so important to go to an experienced medical professional. Dr. De Silva uses techniques that reduce risk, like injecting slowly, using small amounts of filler, and sometimes choosing a blunt-tipped cannula instead of a needle. He also keeps an enzyme called hyaluronidase on hand, which can dissolve the filler immediately in case of emergency. Not every clinic offers this. Surgical rhinoplasty carries its own risks, like infection, scarring, or not being happy with the final result. But when performed by a skilled facial specialist, complications are rare. What About Functionality? If your concerns are more than cosmetic—say, you’ve had an injury, struggle to breathe, or have a deviated septum—non-surgical rhinoplasty won’t help. It simply can't fix internal nasal structures. In these cases, surgery is necessary. A proper exam, which includes looking inside your nose with a small camera, will help identify if your breathing issues are due to a blocked airway or structural defect. Dr. De Silva often combines cosmetic and functional surgery to improve both the appearance and performance of your nose. Recovery Time and Results One of the biggest benefits of non-surgical rhinoplasty is that there’s basically no downtime. You might have a bit of swelling or bruising, but most people return to work or normal activities the same day. Results are visible instantly, although they’ll fade after about a year. Surgical rhinoplasty requires a bit more patience. You’ll likely need a week off work, and while most swelling subsides within the first month, the final shape of your nose may take up to a year to fully settle. That said, the result is long-lasting, often permanent, and you don’t need to keep coming back for top-ups. Cost Considerations Non-surgical rhinoplasty is more affordable in the short term, but keep in mind that it’s not permanent. If you continue getting fillers every year, the costs can quickly add up. Surgical rhinoplasty involves a bigger upfront investment, but the results last for many years or for life. It may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you want a significant change. Which Should You Choose? If you’re still debating between rhinoplasty vs. liquid rhinoplasty, it helps to think about your priorities. Want a quick fix for a minor concern, with no downtime and reversible results? Non-surgical might be your best bet. Need a permanent change, want to reduce size, or fix functional issues? Surgical rhinoplasty is the way to go. Dr. De Silva advises everyone to book a consultation before making a decision. During that time, your nose shape, skin thickness, facial balance, and even your breathing will be carefully assessed. From there, you’ll get personalised advice on which treatment is right for you. Conclusion Choosing between surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty is a personal decision, and the best option depends on your goals, anatomy, and expectations. Dr. Julian De Silva is a world-renowned facial cosmetic surgeon with years of experience helping patients achieve natural-looking results they love. Book a rhinoplasty consultation today and find out which approach suits you best, because your nose should look and feel just right for you.